All Public Beaches Closed

Coronavirus in Nassau, Bahamas

By Robbai

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May 12, 2020 Update

We Asked: What is currently happening with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak in your area? Please provide as much detail as possible. He replied...

We are officially currently at 92 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. Testing is limited here so numbers are probably higher but the lockdown started early so not likely to be as wide spread as in the nearby USA.

How People are Coping

We Asked: How are people handling the situation in your area? He replied...

In general people are staying home and practicing social distancing as well as wearing masks in public areas when they do need to go out such as for groceries. Of course we still have the few people getting arrested for being out past curfew or holding illegal parties during lockdown.

Changing Conditions as coronavirus Spreads

We Asked: How has the situation changed as the Coronavirus has spread? He replied...

As the situation changes the local government has been proactive to the situation. They have been restrictive when the spread is high risk and eased up on some businesses opening up as the risk has lowered.

Government Response

We Asked: Describe how the government of the country about which you are reporting is handling this situation. He replied...

Shelter in place orders started very quickly. As the Bahamas is a tourist destination with many cruise ships arriving each day the risk was high. However the government quickly closed down the country, issued shelter in place orders for the residents and a nightly curfew of 21:00 for no one but essential workers to be allowed out of their residence. Only essential activity can be carried out during the daytime and this evolved to complete lockdowns during the weekend as well. We are also now required to wear a mask when out in public. The lockdown's will continue through May but some businesses are starting to open up again. Only delivery or curbside pickup to begin with. Schools remain closed.

Supplies and Shortages

We Asked: Is there a shortage of supplies in your location? He replied...

Early on their was a shortage of toilet paper as they people saw the panic buying in the USA and did the same. This is no longer the case and most everything is readily available so far. Options/Brands are fewer but you can find substitutes for most things you need.

Preparing for the Future

We Asked: What are you doing in terms of preparations in case the situation deteriorates in your location? He replied...

We are prepared to wait this out. The government has been very proactive and we are confident that we are safe here as long as we do our part to remain safe.

Lockdown & Passing the Time

We Asked: Are you staying home? If so, how are you passing the time? He replied...

Yes, we are working from home. The children are doing online schooling and we pass more quality time playing board games together. We have also accomplished much of the handywork/repairs needed around the house which we had been putting off for lack of time. We don't have cable but do have Netflix and have been watching some series on it to pass the time when not in the backyard playing outdoor games. My daughter has begun learning to play the guitar in her spare time and my son is practicing his Spanish in his spare time.

Public Healthcare & Public Hospitals

We Asked: Are you enrolled in the public healthcare system where you live? Do you feel that the public hospitals are handling or preparing for the Coronavirus outbreak effectively? He replied...

No. I avoid the public hospitals. They are not well funded nor equipped to handle this type of pandemic. Prevention is far better in this case.

Private Health Insurance & Private Hospitals

We Asked: Do you have private health insurance? If you have private insurance, does this give you access to private hospitals? Are private hospitals or clinics better prepared, less prepared, or the same? Please explain. He replied...

We do have private healthcare and access to a private clinics and hospitals. These are not as well equipped as in the USA or Canada but good enough in normal times.

Hospital of Choice for Coronavirus Treatment

We Asked: Would you choose a public or private hospital if you needed treatment for Coronavirus? Why? If there is a specific hospital that you would go to in the event of severe illness? Which hospital and why? He replied...

I would chose private over public but at this time would likely choose to stay home isolated from my family if I were affected by the Coronavirus.

Returning Home

We Asked: Are you considering returning to your home country due to the Coronavirus? Would this be a temporary move or a permanent repatriation? Please explain. He replied...

No. My home country and even more specifically the region I am from is more affected with the coronavirus then here. I will remain here and plan to stay here as long as we can survive this long shut down and rebuild the economy afterwards.

Advice for People Outside of Nassau, Bahamas

We Asked: If you live in an area already heavily affected by coronavirus, what advice would you share with others elswhere in the world who may be facing the same challenges in the future. He replied...

Stay home, use a mask when you go out. Prevention is far better then ending up needing help. Best to be over cautious now then regretful later.

How Government is Treating Expats

We Asked: How is the government of the country where you are currently living treating expats during this time? Have there been any changes or extensions made in terms of residency and and other visa renewals, applications and requirements? Has access to public healthcare been eased? Please describe any types of changes (positive and negative) that are taking place. He replied...

It is difficult to return if you are abroad. Even citizens must be quarantined for 14 days if they return to the Bahamas now. If you are hear on a temporary stamp you still need to get the extension before overstaying the limit. If you have residency and it is expiring this can be an issue as the immigration office is currently closed. I feel they will not cause you trouble knowing the office is closed but if you were to get into trouble they can easily use that to deport you, so best to stay out of trouble.